Rachel Kolisi makes first public appearance amid divorce radiating strength at Earthshot Awards

Rugby star Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel recently announced their separation sending shockwaves through South Africa as fans grappled with the news.

However, it did not take long for Rachel to step back into the public eye with grace and purpose.

Yesterday, she attended the prestigious Earthshot Awards in Cape Town, where she appeared alongside Prince William, global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from around the world, all gathered to recognize groundbreaking environmental efforts.

Making her entrance in a stylish ensemble that captured both elegance and strength, Rachel Kolisi’s appearance seemed to tell a story of resilience.

Styled by Ginara Bennet, Rachel wore a sophisticated short-sleeved navy top paired with long, wide-leg trousers that exuded understated glamour.

Her look was completed with a chic grey bag from Maira Champ and shoes from Steve Madden and she confidently showed off her toned arms—a detail that did not go unnoticed by fans and fashion critics alike.

Rachel’s outing at the Earthshot Awards comes on the heels of a busy period of change in her personal life.

As co-founder of The Kolisi Foundation, which she established with Siya, Rachel has become a notable figure in advocacy for women’s empowerment and social justice causes, stepping further into the spotlight as a community leader even as she navigates this challenging time.

The Earthshot Awards, founded by Prince William and inspired by John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot program, celebrated individuals and organizations dedicated to solving the planet’s environmental challenges.

Hosted by South African media personality Bonang Matheba and the award-winning Billy Porter, the event brought together a remarkable roster of change-makers.

Rachel was seen engaging with several of these innovators, sharing in a collective vision for a sustainable future.

After the event, Rachel took to social media, where she expressed her gratitude for being part of a gathering focused on hope and global solutions.

Attending the Earthshot Awards with such inspiring people was uplifting,” she posted, reflecting a sense of optimism that resonated with her followers.

While the Earthshot Awards marked Rachel’s official public appearance post-separation, her weekend before the event was equally notable.

She and her children spent time at a retreat in Stanford alongside Siya’s younger sibling, Liphelo, in what Rachel described as a “weekend for the soul.”

She shared with her followers that she was on a journey of healing, using the time away to reflect and reconnect.

During the retreat, Rachel also gave Liphelo her first driving lesson, a moment that showcased a tender family connection.

“It was such a milestone for Liphelo, and I was so proud to be there for her first lesson,” she shared, adding that she felt “honored to be part of these small but meaningful moments.”

The display of her “gentle guidance and patient support” touched many of her followers, who expressed admiration for Rachel’s grounded approach to family life despite the upheaval of recent months.

The Kolisi family’s separation has been met with intense media interest, as many fans are curious about the reasons behind one of South Africa’s most beloved couple’s split.

In the days following the retreat, Rachel also appeared in her first endorsement advertisement since the split, for Uber’s new feature Uber for Teens.

The ad, which focuses on the safety of teen passengers, was a significant moment for Rachel, who seemed both relaxed and confident in her role.